Visiting any Eurasian country has never been on my travel bucketlist. As tourism major, my dream has always been to visit countries that have attractions significant to the history and stories I’ve read. Yes, Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan were mentioned but why choose to be on the border of Europe and Asia when you can go to the other part since you already live in Asia? WRONG. And I thank God for giving me an opportunity to see how wrong I was.

Last January, driven by homesickness and the thirst for travel, my friend Phia and I decided to travel. Given the limited time our company allowed us to travel, we couldn’t go too far to too many places so we decided on Georgia and Armenia. Georgia and Armenia are what we called “Eurasian” countries (as well as Turkey, Russia, and Azerbaijan) because their territory is located halfway between Europe and Asia. These countries stretch along the Caucasus Mountain Range.

**Please take note that in breaking down expenses, I may use different currencies based on what we used. Estimated conversions to peso will also be included.

We booked a flight via Fly Dubai for the 23rd of February and then back on the 27th.

TOTAL FLIGHT EXPENSES (Bahrain-Tbilisi-Bahrain): BHD128.500/ PHP17,800 each

Visa is not required for Philippine passport holders going to Tbilisi. However, be prepared to pay the visa on arrival to Armenia.

ARMENIA TOURIST VISA: AMD3000/ PHP320 each

Now that ticket and visa were settled, we looked for a good place to stay in Tbilisi. We wanted to save as much as possible so we needed a place within walking distance of major attractions. It is in Airbnb that we met Tamuna. She is a college instructor who rents her flat to travelers. This flat is in Leo Kachielli Street right across Rustavelli Avenue and the Rustavelli subway station (not that we would need to ride it on this tour). It is very strategic and within reach of anything you would need such as pharmacy, restaurants, coffee shops and grocery stores. Tamuna is on-call 24 hours a day: highly recommended.

AIRBNB COST (February 23-27 for 2 pax): BHD40/ PHP5,550

**Take note that this price is good for up to 4 people (although price may change based on season and demand). The entire place is yours! You may also contact Tamuna in facebook. Ask me how.

To ensure ease of travel between two countries, we also opted to get the services of Kabayans and Pinoys in Tbilisi, Georgia/ G7 Euro Travel and Tours. Please take note that apart from limited time, we also came during winter so some destinations we cannot enjoy even if we  visit. This is why we decided on their Gudauri, Georgia and Yerevan, Armenia package.

We also decided to get the travel insurance from G7 because: 1. It is cheaper. 2. It covers our entire trip.

TOTAL PACKAGE PRICE (Tour only): USD190/PHP9,900 each

Plus Insurance: USD20/PHP1,045 each

February 23 – This is just a transit day. Phia has duty at work until 3PM so we had no choice but to get the last trip out of Bahrain going to Tbilisi. We had a short stop over Dubai Airport where we had dinner.

TOTAL EXPENSES

Dinner at Dubai: 37AED/PHP525 each

Bottled Water x 2: 16 AED/PHP230

February 24 – We arrived at Tbilisi very early in the morning. I bought a Beeline simcard at the airport because we might need it for emergencies and we will definitely need it for GPS when we explore on our last day.

We were picked up by G7 from the airport to be dropped off at our Airbnb (This is part of the package). Thanks to our very hospitable host, who waited for us at the flat with basket of fruits, bottle of wine and water, we had no problems checking in.

After resting for about 3 hours, G7 came back to our flat to pick us up for our Gudauri Tour. We had the privilege to travel with three other Filipinos working in GCC so it was a blast! We also had a really cool tour guide named Tamara. Here are the places we visited:

In Gudauri (Snow Mountain), we not only tried snow for the first time but we also tasted the Georgian famous dishes. Who knew someone like me, who is not a bread-type of person, could actually enjoy it?!

What is the best way to end this great day? Drink a nice Georgian wine (courtesy of our beautiful Tamara and G7) in the middle of the snow with newfound friends at the Georgian-Russian Friendship Monument.

After a long and tiring day, Phia and I decided to have dinner at Dinehall, Rustavelli. We found this gem right in front of the Opera House.

TOTAL EXPENSES

Beeline Sim: 4GEL/PHP78

Souvenirs (Best place to buy is at Ananuri Fortress Complex): 55GEL/PHP1,066

Brunch at Gudauri: 30GEL/PHP582 each

Dinner at Dinehall, Rustavelli Avenue: 18GEL/PHP350 each

February 25 – Armenia Day! This means long travel time (5 to 6 hours by land), so we had to wake up early at 5AM to get ready and leave. G7 picked us up with our Georgian-born Armenian-descent tour guide Sergei. We fully expected to be joined by other tourists on this tour but much to our surprise, it was a private tour!  We had a quick stop at the immigration for our visa. TAKE NOTE: Make sure you have 3000 AMD on hand to avoid delay. If you don’t, you can always change at the border but the rate is higher. Just change what you need for the visa then exchange the rest at a foreign exchange shop outside the border. Ask your guide. They know the best place.

We were very relaxed all throughout the travel. We were able to sleep and rest until we reached the road sightseeing the Caucasus mountain range. The sight of it covered by snow is breathtaking. We had a small stop at Sevan Lake for a taste of Armenian dishes. TAKE NOTE: Don’t be shocked with the prices. That is just how their money is converted. Hahaha.

Off we go to Yerevan! Please remember that Armenia is colder that Georgia so make sure you suite up well for this tour. The places we visited are as follows: The Cascades, Republic Square, Blue Mosque, Saint Rigor Lusavorich Church and the Genocide Museum.

TOTAL EXPENSES

Brunch at Sevan Lake: 8,250AMD/PHP882 each

**The food we paid for can feed 4 people. It included our guide and our driver.

Souvenirs: 4000AMD/PHP428

** The best place to buy is at the Republic Square. There are stalls there in the middle selling souvenirs of all kinds.

Shawarma: 1,000AMD/PHP107 each

February 26 – Dora time! Phia and I decided to go a little late in the morning because we are going independent today. We walked from our flat along Rustavelli Avenue until we reached the Freedom Square.

Then we walked through the cobbled streets, exploring Old Tbilisi (Kote Afkhasi Street) until we reach the Bridge of Peace. There are coffee shops and wine shops all over Tbilisi so we decided to grab a quick coffee and hot chocolate near the bridge before taking pictures. TAKE NOTE: There are many locals in the bridge who are going to trick you and force you to take a picture with their animals (monkey, parrot, etc.). Do not take the bait. They will charge you too high. You could buy more souvenirs and food with the money.

After the bridge, we went straight to Abanotubani, the area in Tbilisi known for its sulfuric baths. There were many options to choose from but we decided to try Royal Bathhouse. TAKE NOTE: Before going through the bath, remember to check if you have allergic reactions with sulfur.

Relaxing bath and massage followed by great Georgian lunch, we decided to proceed to our last stop: Narikhala Fortress. TAKE NOTE: You can take the cable car going up to the fortress from near the Bridge of Peace. However, we decided to walk instead to enjoy the view and to completely explore. Apart from its historical significance, Narikhala is also known for its majestic view of the city as well as the hilltop church and the statue of Mother of Georgia.

TOTAL EXPENSES

Hot Chocolate: 8.5 GEL/PHP165 each

Sulfuric bath room (for 2 pax): 50GEL/PHP969

                Massage and scrub: 20GEL/388 each

                Towel: 3GEL/PHP59

Lunch (At Abanotubani Area): 13 GEL/PHP252 each

Souvenir (Best place to buy is in the Old Tbilisi Street): 40GEL/PHP775

Dinner at Dinehall, Rustavelli Avenue: 18GEL/PHP349 each

February 27 – This day was just spent relaxing. We had an early morning flight and Phia got sick so we just stayed in and enjoyed our goodies at the flat. G7 picked us up for the airport then off we go to Dubai, before returning to Bahrain.

Tough luck! I had to go to work at night. But that was okay. This is one of my most memorable travel experiences. All in all, I spent around PHP40,000 for this tour. Is it still considered to be on budget? Definitely— since we went to two countries, didn’t hold back on food and we visited as much attractions as we can appreciate this season. I hope I can go back to Georgia in a different season so I can visit other places I knew would be as awesome, if not more, than what we experienced this time.

‘Til our next trip!